SURGERY FOR FOOT AND ANKLE

Foot and Ankle Surgery

If conservative or non-invasive treatments do not work, your podiatrist will discuss surgery with you for many foot and ankle problems.

Some types of foot surgery include:

  • Bunion surgery to relieve the pain of a bunion and reposition the joint.
  • For hammertoe surgery, the foot surgeon removes a portion of the bone to realign the toe. This surgery may also fuse the toe joints.
  • If a heel spur causes pain, surgery to remove it can relieve the pain and restore mobility.
  • Metatarsal surgery on the long bones of the foot is commonly performed to redistribute weight-bearing on the ball of the foot.
  • Toenail surgery to remove a part of the nail or the whole nail may be required if the nail has become damaged, infected or deformed. This surgery is usually performed in the podiatrist’s office under local anesthetic.
  • Neuroma surgery removes the benign enlargement of the nerve to relieve symptoms of burning, numbness or tingling.
  • Patients with functional or balance problems, serious pain, deformity, congenital defects or disease may need reconstructive surgery. A reconstructive procedure can include bone fusion, joint implantation, bone grafting, tumor excision, amputation, soft tissue repair or tendon repair.
  • Skin surgery can treat skin cancer, warts, moles or rashes. If necessary, we will perform a biopsy.
  • A tendon rupture or other serious injury may require tendon surgery. This surgery is helpful for chronic conditions as well as acute injuries.
Post-Operative Care Each foot surgery will require unique after-care for an uneventful recovery. Basically, at-home treatment after surgery includes RICE, or rest, icing, compression and elevation. Splints, casts, surgical shoes and bandages may be necessary. Your podiatrist will assess the degree of weight-bearing, if any, that is appropriate based on you and your surgery. Crutches or canes may be necessary. For the best post-surgical outcome, follow all post-operative instructions as recommended by your doctor carefully.
Chestnut Hill Office Call: 617-232-1752 Newton Office Call: 617-630-8280
New England Podiatry